A Few Finished Projects

There are several more "to do's" on my list of sewing projects, but I have completed 6 dresses (2 of which I started months ago). My friend Tami, over the last 4 years, has taught me most of what I know about sewing (& embroidery). We enjoyed sewing together this past weekend when the kids were napping and now we're convinced we need a "sewing retreat" to start and FINISH our remaining projects. Tami has a little boy and is pregnant with a little girl. She is the most talented seamstress I know. She does beautiful hand sewing and smocking and can crank out an entire outfit in no time flat!

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I finally completed these sundresses I started months ago: { it didn't take me long to realize that making 2 of everything takes TWICE as long!}

These are Carol by Children's Corner.

view "C" (w/an inverted center pleat)

I omitted the puffed sleeves and used bias strips to complete the armholes

I also used a round collar (package #4) by Collar's Etc instead of a Peter Pan collar

I self-piped the collar in the same fabric {fabrics: stripes: Candy Cord blue} as the dress

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These next dresses were inspired by Beki's precious creation over @ Artsy-Crafty Babe

Believe it or not these are Simplicity 5118 (I honestly have a hard time envisioning a pattern like this actually turning out cute... but I think it certainly did!)

I cut out 2 "backs" and rounded the tops to the " dress front" pattern.

I also made the dress wider than the pattern called for & banded the dress in the same material I used on the angel sleeves.

This fabric came from none other than the local Hancock's

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I bought this fabric {fabric: novelty: Pink Giraffe} over a year ago and it's been screaming "please use me" so I did...

The dress/top is by McCall's (Sew Easy M5353)

It takes twice as long to complete the dress if you use piping or rick-rack but I think it's worth the extra effort!
I also prefer for the straps to button behind the front-- the pattern shows the straps buttoning over the front.
For Morgan (age 3) I made the dress "top" length (XL size but cut to M length) and used my favorite shorts pattern {patterns: Creations by Michie: "Diaper Shirt & Shorts"} to make her shorts to match the piping & covered buttons.
For Paige (age 22 mos) I followed the pattern and used the Frannie Baby panties {patterns: Children's Corner: "Frannie Baby"}.

In the last picture you'll see I used grosgrain ribbon folded in half to mark the back of the panties. Both panties & shorts are often hard to differentiate between the front & back (especially if you're 2 or 3 years old or a man) but I've found it's really easy just to fold a piece of ribbon in 1/2 and tuck it in before you close up the casing for the elastic. I did the same in the girls floral dresses pictured above.

That's all for now! I've got to do some things for the little boy before he gets here. Which by the way, several of y'all have asked about his name, we don't keep it a secret... we just don't have one for him... YET!